Nursery anxiety

[LD1992]

Hello all! So I’m due to go back to work in March when my DD will be 6/7 months old, DH is in the army and we are based away from family so will have to put DD into nursery. I’m having anxiety about putting her into nursery so young and have images of her being left to cry on her own (I know this is most likely not the case but I’m a worrier). She will be in nursery from around 7.30-1730 which is a long time for such a young baby but due to money issues we have no other option but for me to go back to work once maternity pay runs out. Does anybody have any experience of being in a similar situation and how did your little ones cope? Just looking for a little something to make me feel a little better.
Thanks x

Bless you, I think it’s totally normal to worry no matter how old your baby is. I don’t know how much this will help but in the US where I live most babies start daycare at 3 months old, and there are some tiny babies at ours that can’t be much more than the 6 week minimum. The staff all seem so nice and caring and the babies are always being cuddled whenever I walk past. My DD started there at 15 months but most of her classmates have been there since they were tiny babies and they’re all happy well adjusted toddlers. My next child will be going at 4 months old (as per my maternity leave policy) and if I were still in the UK I’d probably feel guilty but here it’s just normal and that’s actually on the older side to start!
You could also consider a childminder rather than a nursery if you think a more homely setting might be better?

Have you found a nursery yet? The right nursery will reassure you that this won’t happen. They will also hold the phone to the room every time you ring to prove she’s not crying (apparently, according to a friend, I definitely never did that ever!!)
K

Thank you so much both for your comments, they actually made me feel better, especially seeing the baby’s are always being cuddled. There’s a nursery onsite of the hospital I work in and she will be going there, so if there’s ever a problem I’m 2 minutes away. If I’m able to call them I defo will be, they will be sick of me! I think once I go and visit I will feel better and once we get the first few weeks out the way I’m sure I’ll be fine.
Thanks both xx

I used to work in a nursery. We would never have left a baby to cry!

Have you visited? I suggest you visit a few nurseries to get a feel and chat to staff and see the rooms.